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Krzesłowska WJ, Woźniacka A. The Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Treatment Dilemma. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2137. [PMID: 38610902 PMCID: PMC11012663 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a type of cicatricial alopecia predominantly observed in postmenopausal women, with the incidence rising since its initial description in 1994. The exact etiopathogenesis of the disease has not been completely elucidated. FFA is characterized by an inflammatory process affecting the hair follicles of the fronto-temporal hairline, leading to its gradual recession. Eyebrows, particularly the lateral parts, may also be affected. Early diagnosis and an implementation of effective therapy to limit the inflammatory process are crucial in halting disease progression. Various treatment possibilities have been reported, including anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, as well as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, retinoids, and antimalarial agents. The use of phototherapy and surgical procedures has also been described. However, most available data have been obtained retrospectively, frequently consisting of descriptions of case reports or small case series, and not from randomized controlled trials. In addition, the etiopathogenesis of FFA remains unclear and its course unpredictable, occasionally being linked with spontaneous stabilization. Hence, no precise guidelines exist regarding treatment modalities. Therefore, the aims of this study were to provide a comprehensive review of the efficacy of existing therapeutic modalities for FFA and to highlight novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Woźniacka
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Lodz, Hallera 1, 90-647 Lodz, Poland;
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Herranz-Pinto P, Alonso-Pacheco ML, Feltes-Ochoa R, Mayor-Ibarguren A, Servera-Negre G, Busto-Leis JM, Gonzalez-Fernández MA, Herrero-Ambrosio A. Real-world Performance of a New Strategy for Off-Label Use of Guselkumab in Moderate to Severe Psoriasis: Super-Responder Patients as the Epitome of Efficacy and Optimisation. Clin Drug Investig 2023; 43:517-527. [PMID: 37402097 PMCID: PMC10374766 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-023-01280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guselkumab is a drug used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. However, real-life clinical data on its off-label use are limited, especially regarding the optimal drug dosage regimen for different patient profiles. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this real-world, single-centre, retrospective study was to identify the off-label guselkumab dosing regimen used in clinical practice. The study also aimed to evaluate the drug's efficacy, safety, and survival, as well as the proportion of super-responders (SR) based on a newly proposed definition. METHODS The study included 69 patients who started treatment with guselkumab between March 2019 and July 2021. Patients were followed up until April 2022, during which time their efficacy, safety, persistence, and use of guselkumab were recorded. Patients were aged ≥ 18 years and had moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. RESULTS The mean disease duration was 18.6 years, and 59% of patients had received at least one biologic treatment before guselkumab with a mean of 1.3 biologics per patient. The initial absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 10.1 and decreased to 2.1 between Week 11-20 without significant changes in the PASI value throughout the 90 weeks of follow-up. The cumulative probability of drug survival was 93.5% at Week 52. No differences were found in terms of efficacy and survival associated with the off-label drug dosage regimens compared to the doses described in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). The greatest adjustments in the drug administration regimen were achieved in the subgroups of bio-naïve and SR patients, with a reduction in the number of administrations by 40% and 47% compared to the regimen described in the SmPC. Super-response to guselkumab was mainly associated with patients naïve to previous biologic treatment. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated that off-label use of guselkumab was safe and effective in real-life clinical practice. The findings suggest that adjustments to the drug administration regimen may be necessary to optimise its use in different patient profiles, especially in SR and bio-naïve patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Herranz-Pinto
- Department of Dermatology, La Paz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Luisa Alonso-Pacheco
- Department of Dermatology, La Paz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Feltes-Ochoa
- Department of Dermatology, La Paz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ander Mayor-Ibarguren
- Department of Dermatology, La Paz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Servera-Negre
- Department of Dermatology, La Paz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Busto-Leis
- Department of Dermatology, La Paz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Alicia Herrero-Ambrosio
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, La Paz University Hospital, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Starace M, Cedirian S, Alessandrini AM, Bruni F, Quadrelli F, Melo DF, Silyuk T, Doroshkevich A, Piraccini BM, Iorizzo M. Impact and Management of Loss of Eyebrows and Eyelashes. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023:10.1007/s13555-023-00925-z. [PMID: 37188989 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-00925-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Eyelashes and eyebrows have different functions, ranging from practical purposes such as protecting the eye apparatus from external hazards to the definition of our facial expression. For this reason, their loss could have both functional and psychological impact on patients' quality of life. Complete or partial loss can occur any time during life, and identifying the cause is mandatory to establish a correct and prompt treatment. The aim of this paper is to create a practical guide for the management of the most common causes of madarosis to the best of our knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Starace
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stephano Cedirian
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Aurora M Alessandrini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bruni
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Quadrelli
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniel F Melo
- Dermatology Department, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Boulevard 28 de Setembro 77, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Silyuk
- Center of Hair Treatment and Transplantation, Syeszhinskaya 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrei Doroshkevich
- Center of Hair Treatment and Transplantation, Syeszhinskaya 4, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Bianca M Piraccini
- Dermatology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Iorizzo
- Private Dermatology Practice, Via Frasca 10, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland
- Private Dermatology Practice, Viale Stazione 16, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Treatment of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. Dermatol Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/3856674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is known as a lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecia. The main characteristic of FFA is progressive frontotemporal hairline recession. The pathogenesis of FFA is not completely understood. Destructing the stem cells of the epithelial hair follicles causes permanent hair loss and seems to be the main cause of FFA. Studies have reported significantly decreased quality of life in patients with hair loss. On the other hand, late diagnosis and treatment of FFA can decrease the success rate of the treatment. In this regard, different topical and systemic therapies have been developed to resolve the symptoms; however, only a partial response to treatment is usually achieved. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify the effectiveness of the available treatment modalities used for FFA patients and the related outcomes. Methods. On April 2022, we made a wide systematic computer-assisted search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using “frontal fibrosing alopecia” and “treatment” keywords. We scanned 1,514 articles. All the studies concerning a therapeutic regimen for FFA were included. After removing duplicate studies, 50 studies containing the therapeutic regimen of 1,478 FFA patients were included in this review. Results. The 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (oral finasteride/dutasteride) were the most used medications (usually prescribed as a combination therapy with other medications). Topical corticosteroids were the second commonly used medication for the treatment of FFA. Systemic corticosteroids seem to be ineffective in improving FFA progression. Oral isotretinoin (or alitretinoin) had the most promising effect on improving facial papules of FFA patients with a 92% rate of facial papule improvement. Conclusion. In our review, intralesional corticosteroid injection and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride/dutasteride) were reported as the most effective treatment modalities. Oral isotretinoin (or alitretinoin) is considered as the most promising treatment for improving facial papules in the context of FFA. However, it had minimal effects on hair regrowth or stabilization of hairline recession in FFA patients.
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Nguyen B, Hu JK, Tosti A. Eyebrow and Eyelash Alopecia: A Clinical Review. Am J Clin Dermatol 2023; 24:55-67. [PMID: 36183302 PMCID: PMC9870835 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-022-00729-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Madarosis is characterized by either complete or partial loss of eyebrow or eyelash hair. Etiologies for madarosis are varied, and accurate diagnosis is the first step in clinical management. Many studies have described findings related to specific causes of madarosis, but few have summarized the collective literature. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview on the symptomatology, diagnosis, trichoscopy findings, and treatment of eyebrow and eyelash alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Nguyen
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1295 NW 14th St, Suite L, Miami, FL, 33125, USA.
- University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Jamie Katy Hu
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1295 NW 14th St, Suite L, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1295 NW 14th St, Suite L, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
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Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: A Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10091805. [PMID: 33919069 PMCID: PMC8122646 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10091805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontal fibrosing alopecia is a scarring alopecia, the prevalence of which is increasing worldwide since its first description in 1994. The reason for this emerging epidemic may be a higher exposure to an unknown trigger, although its aethiology and pathogenesis still remain enigmatic. Clinical, trichoscopic, sonographic, and histopathologic findings are allowing clinicians to understand more aspects about this type of cicatricial alopecia. Several treatments have been used in frontal fibrosing alopecia, although the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors seem to be the most promising. The aim of this report is to provide a compilation about the published data regarding frontal fibrosing alopecia in a narrative review.
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